AUSTRALIA · ENTRY REQUIREMENTSAUSTRALIA · ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Apply for an Australia Electronic Travel Authority
The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) is the official entry authorization for eligible passport holders traveling to Australia for tourism, business, or short stays. It is digitally linked to your passport, requiring no printed documents and no physical stamps.
Do I Need an eTA?
Three common situations. Find the one that matches your travel before continuing.
You are visiting for tourism, business, or a short trip
If you hold an eligible passport and travel for a short trip, you need an ETA. Certain European passport holders may qualify for the free eVisitor (subclass 651) instead.
You plan to work, study or settle in Australia
An ETA does not permit employment, long-term study, or residency. You must obtain the appropriate work or student visa before departure.
View visa options on homeaffairs.gov.au →
You are an Australian or New Zealand citizen
You are exempt from this process. Australian citizens do not need a visa, and New Zealand citizens receive theirs automatically on arrival.
No ETA required
Eligible Nationalities
The Electronic Travel Authority is available to passport holders from selected countries, while many European citizens may qualify for the eVisitor instead. Eligibility is reviewed periodically, so please confirm your country's status on the official government website before applying.
An applicant is likely eligible if:
- ✓They hold a passport from an eligible country (see list).
- ✓The purpose of travel is tourism, business, family visits, or transit.
- ✓The intended length of stay does not exceed three months per visit.
An eTA is not required if:
- ✕The applicant holds Australian citizenship.
- ✕The applicant already holds a valid Australian visa.
- ✕The applicant is entering by land or sea and their nationality is visa-exempt from those modes.
Advantages of Applying Through Our Service
| Service | Official Australian ETA app | Service eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year | | |
| No registration or user account required |  | |
| Application reviewed by caseworkers before submission | | |
| Free corrections to any field before submission | | |
| Multilingual customer assistance by email | | |
| Alerts for missing or inconsistent information | | |
| Encrypted submission and data handling | | |
| Document recovery in the event of loss | | |
Travelling to Australia
The following information is provided for general guidance to nationals of eligible countries who intend to travel to Australia under the Electronic Travel Authority scheme. It does not constitute legal advice. Applicants are advised to consult the Department of Home Affairs for authoritative guidance.
Permitted Activities Under the ETA
The ETA authorises short visits to Australia for the following activities:
- Tourism and visits to family or friends
- Business meetings, conferences, and short-term work-related activities not constituting employment in Australia
- Joining or travelling on a cruise
- Short courses of study not exceeding three months
Paid employment and long-term studies are not permitted under an ETA. Travelers planning to work or study in Australia must obtain the appropriate visa prior to departure.
Documents Required on Arrival
Australian Border Force officers reserve the right to request supporting documentation at all ports of entry. To ensure a seamless arrival process, it is highly recommended to carry:
- Evidence of accommodation arrangements (hotel booking, address of host, or similar).
- A return or onward travel ticket, where applicable.
- Evidence of sufficient funds to support the visit without recourse to public funds.
- Where the purpose of travel is business, an invitation letter from the host organisation.
Health Provisions for Visitors
Australia's public healthcare system (Medicare) does not extend to short-term visitors. Because any medical costs incurred during your stay will be your responsibility, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel and medical insurance before departure.
Some countries hold Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with Australia that cover limited, medically necessary treatment; however, these agreements do not replace travel insurance and do not cover repatriation, ambulance transport, or treatment for pre-existing conditions.
Customs and Prohibited Goods
Australia enforces strict biosecurity and customs regulations to protect its environment. Upon arrival, you must declare any food, plant material, animal products, or items that have been in contact with soil or freshwater. For detailed and up-to-date guidelines, please refer to the official Australian Border Force website.
Climatic Conditions
Australia spans several climate zones, with conditions that differ markedly by region and season:
- Summer (Dec–Feb): High temperatures across most of the continent, with extreme heat inland and tropical conditions in the north.
- Autumn (Mar–May): Mild, settled weather, particularly throughout the southern states.
- Winter (Jun–Aug): Cool to cold temperatures in the south, while the tropical north remains warm and dry.
- Spring (Sep–Nov): Variable, warming through southern regions. Note: Australia's summer is December to February.
Visitors are advised to check regional forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology before travel.
Connectivity and Practical Matters
- Australia uses 230 V / 50 Hz electricity with Type I plugs.
- Mobile coverage is strong in cities and major towns and limited in remote and outback areas.
- The currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD); card payments are widely accepted.
- Driving is on the left-hand side of the road.
VALIDITY
12 months, or until passport expiry
PERMITTED STAY
Up to 3 months per entry
MODES OF TRAVEL
Air and sea (including cruise)
ISSUING AUTHORITY
Department of Home Affairs
- ›Valid passport from an eligible nationality
- ›A current email address
- ›A debit or credit card for payment
- ›Travel itinerary, where applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
An ETA (subclass 601) is a form of visa - a digital authorisation electronically linked to your passport that allows eligible travellers to visit Australia for short stays. It is not a label or stamp in your passport.
Service eVisa is an independent online platform that assists travellers with their ETA applications. We review each submission for errors, provide multilingual support, and handle the process on your behalf. Our service is separate from the Australian Government and charges an additional processing fee for the assistance provided.
Many ETA applications are approved within minutes, but some require additional checks that can take up to several days. We recommend applying at least one week before your intended travel date to allow for any delays.
Yes. Our multilingual customer support team is available by email to answer questions about the application process, required documents, or the status of your submission. You can reach us through the contact page on our website.
If your ETA application is refused, we will notify you of the decision and provide guidance on alternative options, such as applying for a different visa category. The government fee is non-refundable. Please also note that the service fee covers the review and processing carried out on your behalf and is also non-refundable.
The official Australian ETA app requires you to apply independently from a mobile device. Service eVisa offers additional support including application review by caseworkers, error correction before submission, multilingual assistance, and dedicated customer support.
Need Help?Our support team provides dedicated assistance for online ETA enquiries. Their role is to simplify the process and help travellers obtain the necessary authorisation with confidence.
Please note that the ETA is an official Australian Government product and that an approval through this service does not guarantee entry - final admission is decided by an Australian Border Force officer on arrival. For authoritative guidance, refer to the Department of Home Affairs.